End Chapter 8

     So it came to pass as Thera and King Vyakles returned down the dark path through the forest, the scent of cypress and pine heavy in the warm night air. The king had been in great haste as he escorted Thera from his palace not bothering to put on a robe, merely going in the night the long crimson fabric fashioned as a garment loosely tied about the waist of his naked body, going barefoot as she. Now the king admonished Thera for venturing out in the night for this was wild woods and there were wolves. Thera had no fear, thinking herself quite cunning and clever, where as she had come merely to catch a glimpse of the king, and here now, as she lived and breathed, it was the Great King, himself, walking along the path as he took her hand leading her back the way she came.
     The two walked hand and hand in the dark, Artemis having long since set over the western horizon leaving nothing but darkness. Here a great many thoughts crossed Vy's mind and he stopped and looked into Thera's eyes as he spoke saying "Thera are you feeling any better now after the tea?"
     She thought for a moment feeling her elation of mood and lack of any want or care. "I feel well enough for now." she smiled a fiendish look of lustful desire crossing her face but, so dark was it there in the deep woods, the king could not see the full flush of passion in her eyes but the king was not a stupid man and so he took her hands in his.
     "My physician informs me he feels you are sick with Love."
     "I suffer from no sickness, none of heart or mind." she said softly with a sigh.
     "Is it true than Thera? You hold within your mighty heart no love for me?"
     A rush of sweet anticipation filled both, man and woman, as they stood there, face to face, eye to eye. He smelling of Bay leaves and she of the sweetest jasmine oil as she moved her face ever so close to the king their lips nearly touching and she opened her mouth, her breath of mint and honey from the strong tea, and she whispered. "I can only answer your question by saying I could live my life without you." here the king's heart saddened before she lifted his heart and thoughts of mind when she added "But I would give up everything I hold dear, to be with you, if just for one night."
     Many thoughts raced through his mind as he stood there, as Vy released her hands wrapping his strong arms around Thera, moving to kiss her passionately upon the mouth. Thera closed her eyes in the warm embrace of the king as they kissed sweetly and deeply with mouths as wet as dew. Hearts racing, bodies aching to join together as they pressed close to one another there in the night. Never understanding the consequence and repercussions this moment would have on the rest of their lives. Like all great tragedies the moment of no return was born with a spark, in the deep dark of night, in secret, in silence.